Experienced DJ with over two decades worth of experience. Here to help with all your DJ needs

Find out more about Melanie

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  Music has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up surrounded by different styles of music, and as I got older I became fascinated by how music can completely change people’s emotions and bring people together. I started DJing over 20 years ago and quickly realised it wasn’t just about playing songs it was about reading a crowd and creating an experience.
  
  Although I appreciate many instruments, my favourite is the DJ setup itself. Turntables and controllers have become my instrument. They allow me to be creative, blend different genres, remix tracks live and tell a story through music. Every performance is different, which is one of the things I love most.

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  House music has always been my home. Whether it’s soulful house, funky house or uplifting vocal house, it’s the genre I always come back to because it has so much energy and emotion.
  
  As for artists, Purple Disco Machine is someone whose productions I never get tired of. I also love classics from artists like Daft Punk and newer producers who continue to push house music forward. I’m constantly discovering new music because keeping my library fresh is an important part of being both a DJ and a tutor.

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  One of the most rewarding courses I teach is helping complete beginners become confident enough to perform their first DJ set.
  
  Learning to DJ isn’t just about pressing buttons. Students learn beatmatching, phrasing, EQ, looping, effects, track selection, reading a crowd and building confidence behind the decks. Watching someone go from feeling nervous to performing a seamless mix in front of an audience is incredibly rewarding.
  
  I also tailor every lesson to the student’s goals. Some want to play clubs, others want to DJ weddings or simply mix at home for fun. Every journey is different.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  I think the violin is one of the most challenging instruments to master. It requires incredible precision, years of technical practice and exceptional control over tone and expression.
  
  That said, I also believe DJing is often underestimated. A professional DJ has to master technical skills while simultaneously reading the room, selecting the right music, adapting to the audience and solving problems in real time. It’s a unique combination of musical knowledge, creativity and performance skills.

• What are your keys to success?

  My biggest key to success is consistency.
  
  I’ve learned that improving little by little every week is far more valuable than trying to become perfect overnight. I also believe in staying curious and always learning. The music industry evolves constantly, so I continue to develop my own skills while helping others do the same.
  
  Most importantly, I try to make every lesson enjoyable. Students learn best when they feel relaxed, supported and confident enough to make mistakes.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Purple Disco Machine – I’d love to hear about his production process and how he consistently creates music that connects with so many people.
  
  Daft Punk – Their creativity completely changed electronic music, and I’d love to understand more about their artistic vision and approach to performance.
  
  Carl Cox – His passion for music is infectious, and after decades in the industry he still brings incredible energy to every performance. I’d love to chat about longevity and how the dance music scene has evolved.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  One of my favourite memories isn’t from when I was learning, it’s from teaching.
  
  I worked with a student who was convinced they would never be able to DJ because they thought they had “no rhythm.” We broke everything down into small, manageable steps and focused on building confidence rather than perfection. A few months later they performed a full DJ set in front of an audience.
  
  Moments like that remind me why I teach. Music isn’t about being naturally talented, it’s about patience, practice and believing in yourself.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I believe great teaching is about adapting to each individual student.
  
  I don’t teach everyone in exactly the same way. I tailor lessons to each student’s musical tastes, learning style and goals. I create a relaxed, supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes.
  
  Alongside technical skills, I also share practical industry knowledge gained from over 20 years of DJing, performing at clubs, festivals, private events and teaching students of all ages. My goal isn’t simply to help students learn how to DJ it’s to give them the confidence to perform and enjoy music for years to come.